Keep These Questions In Mind When Shopping For A New Doctor.

So – your doctor has just kept you waiting for 2 hours. AGAIN. And when he finally DID see you, he was rude. And it turns out that he misdiagnosed your symptoms. And it’s gotten to the point that you just don’t like him much anymore. So, how do you go about finding someone new? Here’s the scoop from Real Simple magazine.

Aside from the typical questions you’d ask a new doctor – like “Do you accept my insurance?” – there are others that’ll give you a sense of how courteously and promptly you’ll be treated:

Can I get a copy of your office policy? This includes information on everything from hours to getting a prescription refilled.

Can I send you questions via email? This is a great way to have some of your easier concerns handled.

What’s your cancellation policy? Some offices have strict policies – which is actually a good sign. It means they’re trying to stick to a schedule.

How do I get my questions answered AFTER I’ve left the doctor’s office? Ideally, your doctor should attempt to answer your calls within 24 hours.

Do you have drop-in hours? Some offices, especially if the doctor is a pediatrician, have a 2-hour window during the day when you can come in without an appointment.

But a word of advice: Before you sign up with a new doc, check his credentials. www.ama-assn.org.